Cardiopulmonary testing in long COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 patients with undifferentiated Dyspnea on exertion 2023 Contreras et al

Background
Dyspnea and fatigue are characteristics of long SARS-CoV-2 (COVID)-19. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can be used to better evaluate such patients.

Research question
How significantly and by what mechanisms is exercise capacity impaired in patients with long COVID who are coming to a specialized clinic for evaluation?

Study design and methods
We performed a cohort study using the Mayo Clinic exercise testing database. Subjects included consecutive long COVID patients without prior history of heart or lung disease sent from the Post-COVID Care Clinic for CPET. They were compared to a historical group of non–COVID patients with undifferentiated dyspnea also without known cardiac or pulmonary disease. Statistical comparisons were performed by t-test or Pearson's chi2 test controlling for age, sex, and beta blocker use where appropriate.

Results
We found 77 patients with long COVID and 766 control patients. Long COVID patients were younger (47 ± 15 vs 50 ± 10 years, P < .01) and more likely female (70% vs 58%, P < .01). The most prominent difference on CPETs was lower percent predicted peak V̇O2 (73 ± 18 vs 85 ± 23%, p < .0001). Autonomic abnormalities (resting tachycardia, CNS changes, low systolic blood pressure) were seen during CPET more commonly in long COVID patients (34 vs 23%, P < .04), while mild pulmonary abnormalities (mild desaturation, limited breathing reserve, elevated V̇E/V̇CO2) during CPET were similar (19% in both groups) with only 1 long COVID patient showing severe impairment.

Interpretation
We identified severe exercise limitation among long COVID patients. Young women may be at higher risk for these complications. Though mild pulmonary and autonomic impairment were common in long COVID patients, marked limitations were uncommon. We hope our observations help to untangle the physiologic abnormalities responsible for the symptomatology of long COVID.

Open access, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033062023000531